WO2025010182A1

WO2025010182A1 - Patient restraint system and patient transport system including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2025010182A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/035694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Donald BAKER; William Dwight CHILDS; Jeffrey Alan Kennedy; Connor Feldpausch ST. JOHN
Original assignee: Stryker Corp
Current assignee: Stryker Corp
Priority date: 2023-07-06
Filing date: 2024-06-27
Publication date: 2025-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-06

Abstract

A transport system including a patient transport apparatus and a patient restraint system for restraining a patient relative to a patient support deck of the patient transport apparatus. The patient restraint system includes a patient restraint and a receiver. The patient restraint includes a restraint portion, an interface portion coupled to the restraint portion, and a stiff tang coupled to the interface portion and extending to an engagement end, and configured to resist deflection along its length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length. The receiver includes an inlet to receive the stiff tang in a first direction, and a lock member arranged to engage the stiff tang to permit movement of the stiff tang in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Description

PATIENT RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND PATIENT TRANSPORT SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,249 filed on July 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Caretakers often desire that patients remain still. For example, a patient may be unruly or subject to a treatment that causes involuntary physical reactions. Accordingly, patient restraints are commonly used to prevent patients from moving relative to a patient transport apparatus in healthcare settings.

[0003] However, there are challenges with securing patient restraints to patient transport apparatuses, particularly when only one caretaker is available. Often, conventional patient restraints are comprised of a flaccid strap that is secured to the patient transport apparatus with a fastening device. These fastening devices can be challenging to manipulate with one hand, and it can be difficult fort caretakers to simultaneously hold the patient in place and attach the restraint to the patient transport apparatus without assistance.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for patient restraint systems that address one or more of the challenges above.

SUMMARY

[0005] One general aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a patient restraint system for restraining a patient relative to a patient support deck of a patient transport apparatus. The patient restraint system includes a patient restraint and a receiver. The patient restraint includes a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang. The stiff tang extends along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end. The stiff tang is configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end. The stiff tang is further configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length. The receiver is configured for attaching to a patient transport apparatus. The receiver includes an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang in a first direction, and a lock member. The lock member is arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck.

[0006] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is directed towards a patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient. The patient transport system includes a patient transport apparatus including a support structure including a patient support deck. The patient transport system also includes a patient restraint assembly including a plurality of patient restraints for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck. Each of the plurality of patient restraints includes a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang. The stiff tang extends along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end. The stiff tang is configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end. The stiff tang is configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length. The patient transport system further includes a plurality of receivers operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus. Each of the plurality of receivers respectively including: an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang of one of the plurality of patient restraints in a first direction, and a lock member. The lock member is arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a patient transport system including a patient transport apparatus and a plurality of patient restraint assemblies.

[0008] Figure ! is a schematic representation of one patient restraint including a stiff tang.

[0009] Figure 3A is a partial perspective view of a patient transport apparatus including a receiver and a patient restraint including the stiff tang spaced from the receiver.

[0010] Figure 3B is a partial perspective view of the patient transport apparatus of Figure 3A and the stiff tang of the patient restraint engaged with the receiver.

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the support structure of the patient transport apparatus supporting a plurality of receivers arranged for engagement with a respective patient restraint.

[0012] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of one configuration of the receiver.

[0013] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the receiver of Figure 5.

[0014] Figure 7 A is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 5 including one example of a patient restraint including the stiff tang spaced from the receiver.

[0015] Figure 7B is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 5 including the patient restraint including the stiff tang engaged with the receiver. [0016] Figures 8A-8E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang of the patient into the receiver of Figure 5 in a first direction and removing the stiff tang from the receiver in a second direction.

[0017] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of another configuration of the receiver.

[0018] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the receiver of Figure 9.

[0019] Figure 11 A is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 9 including another example of a patient restraint including the stiff tang spaced from the receiver.

[0020] Figure 1 IB is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 9 including the patient restraint including the stiff tang engaged with the receiver.

[0021] Figures 12A-12E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang of the patient into the receiver of Figure 9 in the first direction and removing the stiff tang from the receiver in the second direction.

[0022] Figure 13 is a top perspective view of yet another configuration of the receiver.

[0023] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the receiver of Figure 13.

[0024] Figure 15A is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 13 including yet another example of a patient restraint including the stiff tang spaced from the receiver.

[0025] Figure 15B is a top perspective view of the receiver of Figure 13 including the patient restraint including the stiff tang engaged with the receiver.

[0026] Figures 16A-16E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang of the patient into the receiver of Figure 13 in the first direction and removing the stiff tang from the receiver in the second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, a patient transport system 28 for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient is shown. The patient transport system 28 includes a patient transport apparatus 30 for supporting the patient in a health care setting. The patient transport apparatus 30 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a hospital bed. In other versions, however, the patient transport apparatus 30 may comprise a stretcher, cot, table, wheelchair, chair, or similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

[0028] A support structure 32 provides support for the patient. The support structure 32 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a base 34 and an intermediate frame 36. The base 34 comprises a base frame 35. The intermediate frame 36 is spaced above the base frame 35 in Figure 1. The support structure 32 also comprises a patient support deck 38 disposed on the intermediate frame 36. The patient support deck 38 provides a patient support surface 40 upon which the patient is supported. The patient transport apparatus 30 may also include a lift mechanism 37 that operates to lift and lower the intermediate frame 36 and/or the patient support deck 38 relative to the base 34. The lift mechanism 37 may be configured to move the intermediate frame 36 and/or the patient support deck 38 between a plurality of vertical configurations relative to the base 34, or to any desired position in between. Any suitable lift mechanism 37 capable of moving the intermediate frame 36 and/or the patient support deck 38 between a plurality of vertical configurations relative to the base 34 is contemplated.

[0029] A mattress 41 is disposed on the patient support deck 38 during use. The mattress 41 comprises a secondary patient support surface upon which the patient is supported. The base 34, intermediate frame 36, patient support deck 38, and patient support surfaces each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient’s head and feet on the patient transport apparatus 30. The construction of the support structure 32 may take on any known design and is not limited to that specifically set forth above. In addition, the mattress 41 may be omitted in certain versions, such that the patient rests directly on the patient support surface 40.

[0030] Patient barriers, such as side rails are coupled to the intermediate frame 36 and/or patient support deck 38 and are thereby supported by the base 34. A first side rail 42 is positioned at a right head end. A second side rail 44 is positioned at a right foot end. A third side rail 46 is positioned at a left head end. A fourth side rail (not shown) is positioned at a left foot end. If the patient transport apparatus 30 is a stretcher or a cot, there may be fewer side rails. The side rails are movable to a raised position in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient transport apparatus 30, one or more intermediate positions, and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress. Such side rails and the manner in which they may be raised/lowered are shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0172829, filed on December 15, 2016, and entitled “Powered Side Rail For A Patient Support Apparatus,” hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0031] A headboard 50 and a footboard 52 are coupled to the intermediate frame 36. The headboard 50 and footboard 52 may be coupled to any location on the patient transport apparatus 30, such as the intermediate frame 36 or the base 34. In still other versions, the patient transport apparatus 30 does not include the headboard 50 and/or the footboard 52.

[0032] Caregiver interfaces 54, such as handles, are shown integrated into the headboard 50, footboard 52, and side rails 42, 44, 46 to facilitate movement of the patient transport apparatus 30 over a floor surface. Additional caregiver interfaces 54 may be integrated into other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. The caregiver interfaces 54 are graspable by the caregiver to manipulate the patient transport apparatus 30 for movement, to move the side rails 42, 44, 46, and the like.

[0033] Other forms of the caregiver interface 54 are also contemplated. The caregiver interface may comprise one or more handles coupled to the intermediate frame 36. The caregiver interface may simply be a surface on the patient transport apparatus 30 upon which the caregiver logically applies force to cause movement of the patient transport apparatus 30 in one or more directions, also referred to as a push location. This may comprise one or more surfaces on the intermediate frame 36 or base 34. This could also comprise one or more surfaces on or adjacent to the headboard 50, footboard 52, and/or side rails 42, 44, 46. In other versions, the caregiver interface may comprise separate handles for each hand of the caregiver. For example, the caregiver interface may comprise two handles.

[0034] Wheels 56 are coupled to the base 34 to facilitate transport over a floor surface. The wheels 56 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 34 adjacent to comers of the base 34. In the version shown, the wheels 56 are caster wheels able to rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 32 during transport. Each of the wheels 56 forms part of a caster assembly 58. Each caster assembly 58 is mounted to the base 34. It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 58 arc contemplated. In addition, in some versions, the wheels 56 are not caster wheels and may be non- steerable, steerable, non-powered, powered, or combinations thereof. Additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, the patient transport apparatus 30 may comprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more powered wheels. In some cases, the patient transport apparatus 30 may not include any wheels.

[0035] In other versions, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the support structure 32. In some cases, when these auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 58 and contact the floor surface in the deployed position, they cause two of the caster assemblies 58 to be lifted off the floor surface thereby shortening a wheelbase of the patient transport apparatus 30. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 34.

[0036] In some versions, the patient transport apparatus 30 may include a plurality of brakes (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) arranged to brake the wheels 56. For example, each of the wheels 56 may have an associated brake, but in some versions, fewer than all the wheels 56 may have an associated brake, e.g., only one, two, or three of the four wheels 56 have an associated brake. One exemplary braking device for operating the plurality of brakes is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021138176 Al, entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus with tang Electro-Mechanical Braking System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, other configurations are contemplated.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1-4, the patient transport system 28 also includes a patient restraint assembly 60 for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck 38. The patient restraint assembly 60 includes a plurality of patient restraints 62 for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck 38. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of one configuration of a patient restraint 62. The patient restraint 62 generally includes an interface portion 63, a patient restraint portion 65, and a stiff tang 66. The interface portion 63 is operatively attached to the patient restraint portion 65, and may be realized in a number of different ways. For example, the interface portion 63 may be configured as a strap, webbing, rope, and the like which extends from the stiff tang 66 to a terminal end 63 A that is operatively attached to the patient restraint portion 65. In some versions, the patient restraint portion 65 itself could instead define the interface portion 63, such as where the interface portion 63 is formed integrally with or otherwise as a part of the patient restraint portion 65. In some versions, the patient restraint 62 could be realized without a defined interface portion 63, such as where the stiff tang 66 is operatively attached to the patient restraint portion 65. Other versions are contemplated. The patient restraint portion 65 may be any suitable structure to couple the interface portion 63 to the patient. In Figure 2, the patient restraint portion 65 is shown as a cuff for coupling the interface portion 63 to a patient’s wrist or ankle, but other structures for engaging the patient are contemplated. The stiff tang 66 extends along a length L between a coupling end 66 A coupled to the interface portion 63 and an engagement end 66B. The coupling end 66A of the stiff tang 66 may be coupled to the interface portion 63 in a number of different ways, including such as by being stitched, bonded, or otherwise attached to the interface portion 63. In some versions, the stiff tang 66 may be coupled to the interface portion 63 using a box stitch as shown schematically in Figure 2, but other structures for coupling the coupling end 66A of the stiff tang 66 to the interface portion 63 such as over-molding, fasteners, adhesives, and the like are contemplated. In some versions, the stiff tang 66 may be defined by over-molding or otherwise bonding material to the interface portion 63 so As to define the stiff tang 66. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 and 3A-4, the patient restraint assembly 60 further includes a plurality of receivers 64 configured to be operatively attached to the support structure 32 of the patient transport apparatus 30. The plurality of receivers 64 are generally configured to receive the engagement end 66B of the stiff tang 66 of one of the plurality of patient restraints 62 in a first direction DI . Each of the plurality of receivers 64 are further generally configured to permit movement of one of the stiff tangs 66 in the first direction D 1 , and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in a second direction D2, opposite the first direction DI, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck 38. Exemplary configurations of the patient restraint 62 and the receiver 64 are described in further detail below.

[0039] Each receiver 64 includes an inlet 68. For example, each receiver 64 may include a housing 69 that defines the inlet 68. Referring to the sequence between Figures 3A and 3B, the inlet 68 receives the engagement end 66B of the stiff tang 66 of one of the patient restraints 62. As shown schematically in Figures 3A and 3B, each receiver 64 also includes a lock member 70. For example, the lock member 70 may be disposed within the housing 69. The lock member 70 is arranged to engage the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the first direction D 1 , and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the second direction D2. The lock member 70 may be configured for movement between a locked position 70E and an unlocked position 70U. In the locked position 70E, the lock member 70 engages the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. In the unlocked position 70U, the lock member 70 permits movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the second direction D2. In some configurations, the lock member 70 may be supported for rotational movement relative to the housing 69 between the locked position 70E and the unlocked position 70U. In other configurations, the lock member 70 may be supported for translational movement relative to the housing 69 between the locked position 70E and the unlocked position 70U. In some configurations, the lock member 70 may include at least one tooth 78 arranged to grip the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the locked position 70E to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2.

[0040] The interface portion 63 of the patient restraint 62 may be comprised of a first material such as webbing that is flexible, but other flexible materials are contemplated. Thus, interface portion 63 may have a first flexural modulus such that the interface portion 63 buckles in the absence of tension. The stiff tang 66 may be comprised of a second material, different than the first material. Thus, the stiff tang 66 may have a second flexural modulus that is greater than the first flexural modulus such that the stiff tang 66 does not buckle in the absence of tension. Accordingly, the stiff tang 66 is configured to resist deflection along the length L in response to applied force acting on the engagement end 66B and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length L. In other words, the stiff tang 66 may be inserted into one of the receivers 64 without collapsing.

[0041] As illustrated in the sequence between Figures 3 A and 3B, because the stiff tang 66 resists collapsing, a caregiver may insert the stiff tang 66 of one of the patient restraints 62 into one of the receivers 64 using one hand. In contrast, a caregiver is often required to use two hands to couple a conventional patient restraint with a conventional receiver (e.g., one hand to align the patient restraint with the receiver and another hand to pull the restraint through the receiver and lock the receiver). Accordingly, the patient restraint 62 of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous because caretakers often must use one hand to hold the patient in place and the other hand to attach the patient restraint to the patient transport apparatus. By enabling one-handed engagement with one of the receivers 64, the stiff tang 66 frees the other hand of a caretaker to hold a patient in position. This is especially helpful where only one caretaker is available to restrain the patient.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the plurality of receivers 64 may include any suitable number of receivers 64 for receiving a corresponding number of patient restraints 62. For example, in the instance of Figure 1 , the plurality of receivers 64 includes one receiver 64 on each lateral side SI, S2 of the of the patient transport apparatus 30, with the receiver 64 on the lateral side S 1 being shown. It should be appreciated, however, that the plurality of receivers 64 may include a greater number of receivers 64 for receiving a corresponding patient restraint 62 on each lateral side SI, S2. For example, each lateral side SI, S2 may have two, three, four, or more receivers 64. The receivers 64 may generally be aligned with a patient’s head, hands, torso, legs, ankles, or any other suitable location in which restraining the patient is desired. For example, Figure 4 shows one example where the two receivers 64 are coupled to each lateral side SI, S2 of the intermediate frame 36, with one receiver 64 near the head end and another receiver 64 near the foot end. With continued reference to Figure 4, the plurality of receivers 64 may be angled toward the patient support deck 38 such that the plurality of receivers 64 face the patient to improve the ease of coupling one of the patient restraints 62 to a corresponding receiver 64. Additionally, the plurality of receivers 64 may include a different number of receivers 64 on each lateral side SI, S2.

[0043] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the receivers 64 may be operatively attached to any suitable component of the patient transport apparatus 30. For example, while the receivers 64 extend from the intermediate frame 36 in Figures 1 and 4, in other instances, the receivers 64 may extend from other components of the patient transport apparatus 30. For example, the receivers 64 may extend from the patient support deck 38 and/or the base 34 of the patient transport apparatus 30. As another example, the receivers 64 may extend from or be integrally formed with the side rails 42, 44, 46, the headboard 50, and/or the footboard 52 of the patient transport apparatus.

[0044] In some configurations, each of the plurality of receivers 64 may further include a biasing member 72 operatively attached to the lock member 70 to urge the lock member 70 toward the locked position 70L. More specifically, the biasing member 72 may urge the lock member 70 to the locked position 70L in response to movement of the stiff tang 66 into the inlet 68 of the respective receiver 64 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the second direction D2. In other words, when a caregiver inserts the stiff tang 66 into the inlet 68 in the first direction DI, the biasing member 72 urges the lock member 70 to the locked position 70L to engage the stiff tang 66 such that the lock member 70 permits movement of the stiff tang 66 further into the inlet 68 in the first direction DI, but inhibits movement of the stiff tang 66 out of the inlet 68 (for example, due to the patient thrashing) in the second direction D2.

[0045] Additionally, in some configurations, each of the plurality of receivers 64 may further include a release member 74. The release member 74 may be arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member 70 to move the lock member 70 from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. In other words, when a caregiver engages the release member 74, the release member 74 moves the lock member 70 to the unlocked position 70U such that the stiff tang may be removed from the inlet 68 in the second direction D2 to decouple the patient restraint 62 from the receiver 64.

[0046] Additionally, in some examples, the lock member 70 may be further defined as a first lock member 70 A and a second lock member 70B spaced from the first lock member 70A. The first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B may be arranged for concurrent movement between the locked position 70L (where both the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B engage the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2) and the unlocked position 70U (where the first lock member 70 A and/or the second lock member 70B are spaced from the stiff tang 66 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the second direction D2). In some examples, the first lock member 70 A and the second lock member 70B are disposed within the housing 69 for concurrent translation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U. In other examples, the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B are disposed within the housing 69 for concurrent rotation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U.

[0047] Figures 5-8E show one exemplary configuration of a patient restraint system of the present disclosure including one example of the patient restraint 62 and one example of the receiver 64. Referring first to Figures 5 and 6, the receiver 64 of the present configuration includes the housing 69. In this example, the housing 69 includes a first housing portion 69A defining the inlet

68 for receiving the stiff tang 66 and a second housing portion 69B coupled to the first housing portion 69A. Here, the lock member 70 may be disposed within the second housing portion 69B. Additionally, as best shown in the exploded view of Figure 6 and the sequence between Figures 8A and 8E, the lock member 70 may be supported for rotational movement relative to the housing

69 between the locked position 70L (best shown in Figure 8C) and the unlocked position 70U (best shown in Figures 8D and 8E). For example, the lock member 70 may be supported for rotation relative to the housing 69 via bushings 76, but other configurations are contemplated.

[0048] The illustrated configuration also includes one configuration of the biasing member 72 disposed within the second housing portion 69B to urge the lock member 70 to the locked position 70L. As best shown in Figures 6 and 8A-8E, in the illustrated example, the biasing member 72 may be a torsion spring disposed co-axially with the lock member 70 and configured to urger the lock member 70 toward the locked position 70L. Other configurations for the biasing member 72 are contemplated. Additionally, the illustrated configuration further includes one configuration of the release member 74 at least partially disposed within the second housing portion 69B and operatively attached to the lock member 70 to move the lock member 70 from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74. Operation of this configuration of the release member 74 is described in further detail below.

[0049] With continued reference to Figure 6 and the sequence between Figures 8A and 8E, the lock member 70 may further include a tooth 78 arranged to grip the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 when the lock member 70 is in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. In this example, the stiff tang 66 defines one or more catches 80 and the tooth 78 is arranged to engage one of the one or more catches 80 when the lock member 70 is in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. Notably the one or more catches 80 may be defines on both sides of the stiff tang 66 such that the stiff tang 66 may inserted into the receiver 64 with either side facing the lock member 70. As best shown in Figures 8A-8E, each of the one or more catches 80 may define an abutment portion 80A and a ramp portion 80B. In the locked position 70L, the lock member 70 is configured to abut the abutment portion 80A of one of the one or more catches 80 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. However, the ramp portion 80B of the one or more catches 80 may be defined such that the lock member 70 permits movement of the stiff tang 66 in the first direction DI due to sliding of the lock member 70 along the ramp portion 80B as the stiff tang 66 moves in the second direction D2. In other words, once the lock member 70 engages one of the one or more catches 80, the stiff tang 66 is inhibited from being removed from the receiver 64 in the second direction D2, but a user can further insert the stiff tang 66 into the receiver 64 in the first direction DI because the ramp portion 80B permits movement of the stiff tang 66 in the first direction DI. [0050] Figures 8A-8E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang 66 into the illustrated receiver 64 in the first direction DI and subsequently removing the stiff tang 66 from the receiver 64 in the second direction D2. Referring first to Figure 8A, the stiff tang 66 is shown initially entering the inlet 68 of the housing 69 in the first direction DI. Additionally, the lock member 70 is shown in the locked position 70L due to being biased by the biasing member 72. As shown in Figure 8B, as the stiff tang 66 continues to be inserted into the receiver 64 in the first direction DI, the stiff tang 66 abuts the lock member 70 and displaces the lock member 70 from the locked position 70L. As shown in Figure 8C, once the lock member 70 is aligned with one of the one or more catches 80, the biasing member 72 urges the lock member 70 into the locked position 70L such that the lock member 70 abuts the abutment portion 80A of one of the catches 80. At this point, the stiff tang 66 is inhibited from being moved in the second direction D2 but may be further inserted into the receiver 64 in the first direction DI as described above. Figure 8D illustrates movement of the lock member 70 from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74 (as generally indicated by arrow 82). Here, the release member 74 abuts the lock member 70 to move the lock member 70 from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U. At this point, the lock member 70 is spaced from the catch 80 of the stiff tang 66 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. Figure 8E shows the stiff tang 66 being removed from the receiver 64 in the second direction D2 while the user continues to engage the release member 74 (as generally indicated by arrow 82). The receiver 64 may further include a release biasing member 84 operatively attached to the release member 74 to urge the release member 74 away from the lock member 70 after the user engagement with the release member 74 has ended. [0051] It will be appreciated that the receiver 64 described above in connection with

Figures 5-8E is configured so as to receive the stiff tang 66 in both the first direction DI as depicted in Figure 8A, as well as in the second direction D2. Put differently, the inlet 68 could be defined by a lower end portion of the housing 69 as opposed to an upper end portion of the housing 69 (see Figure 8A; not shown in detail). Here, because the biasing member 72 operatively attached to the lock member 70 urges the lock member 70 toward the locked position 70L depicted in Figure 8A, the lock member can pivot away from whichever end portion of the housing 69 defines the inlet 68 as the stiff tang 66 is inserted.

[0052] Referring to Figures 9-16E, in some examples, the stiff tang 66 may be comprised of a resilient material. For example, the stiff tang 66 may comprise a stiff material coated with a resilient material. In other examples, a single resilient material is used. The material of the stiff tang 66 in this example is not particularly limited, but it is generally desired that the stiff tang 66 has sufficient stiffness for the stiff tang 66 to be inserted into the receiver 64 with one hand, as described above. Additionally, with continued reference to Figures 9-16E, in some examples, the at least one tooth 78 may be further defined as a plurality of teeth 78. In these examples, one or more of the plurality of teeth 78 may be arranged to grip the stiff tang 66 in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. For example, as best shown in Figures 12A-12E and 16A-16E, where the stiff tang 66 is comprised of the resilient material, one or more of the plurality of teeth 78 may compress the resilient material of the stiff tang 66 when the lock member 70 is in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2.

[0053] Figures 9-12E show another exemplary configuration of a patient restraint system of the present disclosure including another example of the patient restraint 62 and another example of the receiver 64. Tn this example, as best shown in Figures 1 1 A and 1 1B, the stiff tang 66 of the illustrated patient restraint 62 is generally cylindrical in shape. Accordingly, the inlet 68 defined by the receiver 64 in this example is generally a frustoconical shape, but other configurations are contemplated. As broadly described above, in some configurations, the lock member 70 may be further defined as a first lock member 70A and a second lock member 70B arranged for concurrent translation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U. In the configuration of Figures 9-12E, the housing 69 defines a wedge void 86 in communication with the inlet 68 (best shown in the exploded view of Figure 10). The first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B may be disposed in the wedge void 86 for concurrent translation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U.

[0054] The wedge void 86 may be defined by a first contact surface 86A and a second contact surface 86B, opposite the first contact surface 86A. The first lock member 70A may be disposed in sliding contact with the first contact surface 86A, and the second lock member 70B may be disposed in sliding contact with the second contact surface 86B. As best shown in Figures 10 and 12A-12E, in some examples, the first contact surface 86A and the second contact surface 86B may be arranged relative to each other at an oblique angle such that concurrent movement of the first lock member 70A along the first contact surface 86A and the second lock member 70B along the second contact surface 86B causes the spacing between the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B to change. In other words, as best illustrated in sequence between Figures 12A-12E, as the first and second lock members 70A, 70B translate along the first and second contact surfaces 86A, 86B, respectively, the distance between the first and second lock members 70A, 70B becomes larger or smaller. [0055] Accordingly, as best shown in Figure 12C, when the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are in the locked position 70L, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are positioned toward the narrower, top end of the wedge void 86 such that at least one of the plurality of teeth of the first and second lock members 70A, 70B engage the stiff tang 66 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. Advantageously, the wedge void 86 causes a self-tightening effect when the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are in the locked position 70L. If the stiff tang 66 is pulled in the second direction D2, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are pulled further into the narrow portion of the wedge void, causing the teeth 78 to dig further into the stiff tang 66 to increase the grip of the first and second lock members 70A, 70B on the stiff tang 66 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. However, conversely, because the wedge void 86 becomes wider at the bottom, further insertion of the stiff tang 66 in the first direction DI is permitted, because the first and second lock members 70A, 70B will separate enough to allow further insertion of the stiff tang 66 in the first direction DI. As best shown in Figure 12D, when the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are in the unlocked position 70U, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are positioned toward the wider, bottom end of the wedge void 86 and are thus spaced from the stiff tang 66 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2.

[0056] Referring to Figures 10 and 12A-12E, the illustrated configuration also includes another configuration of the biasing member 72. Here, the biasing member 72 is disposed within the housing 69 and contacts both the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B to concurrently urge both the first lock member 70 A and the second lock member 70B to the locked position 70L. With continued reference to Figures 10 and 12A-12E, the illustrated configuration further includes another configuration of the release member 74. Here, the housing 69 may include a first shell portion 88A and a second shell portion 88B that are joined to cumulatively define the wedge void 86. The housing 69 may further include a front plate 90 operatively attached to the first shell portion 88A. As shown best in Figure 10, the release member 74 may be at least partially disposed between the first shell portion 88A and the front plate 90. In this example, the release member 74 may include engagement projections 92 extending past the front plate 90 and arranged for user engagement in the first direction DI. The release member 74 may also include abutment projections 94 extending into the housing 69 to abut the first lock member 70A and/or the second lock member 70B to concurrently move the first lock member 70 A and the second lock member 70B from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74.

[0057] Figures 12A-12E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang 66 into the illustrated receiver 64 in the first direction DI and subsequently removing the stiff tang 66 from the receiver 64 in the second direction D2. Referring first to Figure 12A, the stiff tang 66 is shown initially inserted into the inlet 68 of the housing 69 in the first direction DI. Additionally, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are shown in the locked position 70L due to being biased by the biasing member 72. As shown in Figure 12B, as the stiff tang 66 continues to be inserted into the receiver 64 in the first direction D 1 , the stiff tang 66 abuts the first and second lock members 70A, 70B and displaces the first and second lock members 70A, 70B from the locked position 70L. As shown in Figure 12C, once the biasing member 72 urges the first and second lock members 70A, 70B into the locked position 70L, one or more of the plurality of teeth 78 may compress the resilient material of the stiff tang 66 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. At this point, the stiff tang 66 is inhibited from being moved in the second direction D2 but may be further inserted in the first direction DI as described above. Figure 12D illustrates movement of the first and second lock members 70A, 70B from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74 (as generally indicated by arrow 82). Here, the abutment projections 94 of the release member 74 abut the first and second lock members 70A, 70B to move the first and second lock members 70A, 70B from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U. At this point, the first and second lock members 70 A, 70B are spaced from the stiff tang 66 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. Figure 12E shows the stiff tang 66 being removed from the receiver in the second direction D2 while the user continues to engage the release member 74 (as generally indicated by arrow 82). In this example, the biasing member 72 may urge the first and second lock members 70A, 70B back to the locked position 70L after the user engagement with the release member 74 has ended.

[0058] Figures 13-16E show yet another exemplary configuration of a patient restraint system of the present disclosure including yet another example of the patient restraint 62 and yet another example of the receiver 64. In this example, as best shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the stiff tang 66 of the illustrated patient restraint 62 is generally rectangular in shape. As described above, the stiff tang 66 may be comprised of a resilient material. As generally described above, the receiver 64 may include the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B. As generally described above, each of the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B may include a plurality of teeth 78 that compress the resilient material of the stiff tang 66 when the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2.

[0059] In the example illustrated in Figures 13-16E, the housing 69 is generally defined by a first bracket 96A and a second bracket 96B spaced from the first bracket 96A to define the inlet 68 for receiving the stiff tang 66 of the patient restraint 62 therebetween. The first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B may be disposed between the first bracket 96A and the second bracket 96B. For example, the first lock member 70A may be supported for rotation relative to the housing 69 by a first shaft 98A extending between the first bracket 96A and the second bracket 96B . Similarly, the second lock member 70B may be supported for rotation relative to the housing 69 by a second shaft 98B extending between the first bracket 96A and the second bracket 96B. Here, the first lock member 70A and/or the second lock member 70B may define a cam profile (best shown in Figures 16A-16E) shaped to arrange the first lock member 70A and/or the second lock member 70B in spaced relation from the stiff tang 66 in the unlocked position 70U, and to engage the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the locked position 70L to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 received by the inlet 68 in the second direction D2.

[0060] The first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B may be operatively coupled for concurrent rotation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U. For example, in the configuration illustrated in Figures 13-16E, the receiver 64 further includes a first gear 100A coupled to the first lock member 70A and a second gear 100B coupled to the second lock member 70B. The first gear 100A may be meshed with the second gear 100B to effectuate concurrent rotation of the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U. Other configurations for operatively coupling the first lock member 70 A and the second lock member 70B for concurrent rotation between the locked position 70L and the unlocked position 70U are contemplated.

[0061] Referring to Figures 13-15B, the illustrated configuration also includes yet another configuration of the biasing member 72. Here, the biasing member 72 is operatively attached to one of the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B to concurrently urge both the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B to the locked position 70L. Here, the biasing member 72 only needs to interact with one of the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B because the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B are synchronized via the first and second gear’s 100A, 100B, as described above. With continued reference to Figures 13-15B, the illustrated configuration further includes another configuration of the release member 74. Here, release member 74 may include a knob or other suitable interface arranged for user engagement in a twisting direction. The release member 74 may be coupled to one of the first lock member 70 A and the second lock member 70B such that user engagement of the release member 74 (i.e., a user rotating the release member 74) moves the first lock member 70A and the second lock member 70B from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U.

[0062] Figures 16A-16E are cross-sectional representations of a sequence of inserting the stiff tang 66 into the illustrated receiver 64 in the first direction DI and subsequently removing the stiff tang 66 from the receiver 64 in the second direction D2. Referring first to Figure 16A, the stiff tang 66 is shown initially inserted into the receiver 64 in the first direction DI. Additionally, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B are shown in the locked position 70L due to being biased by the biasing member 72. As shown in Figure 16B, as the stiff tang 66 continues to be inserted into the receiver 64 in the first direction DI, the stiff tang 66 abuts the first and second lock members 70A, 70B and displaces the first and second lock members 70A, 70B from the locked position 70L. As shown in Figure 16C, once the biasing member 72 urges the first and second lock members 70A, 70B into the locked position 70L, one or more of the plurality of teeth 78 may compress the resilient material of the stiff tang 66 to inhibit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. At this point, the stiff tang 66 is inhibited from being moved in the second direction D2 but may be further inserted in the first direction D 1 as described above. Figure 16D illustrates movement of the first and second lock members 70A, 70B from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74. Here, the first and second lock members 70A, 70B move from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U in response to user engagement with the release member 74 (i.e., a user twisting the release member 74). More specifically, as shown in Figures 16A-16E, the first and second shafts 98A, 98B rotate in response to twisting user engagement with the release member 74 to rotate the first lock member 70A and second lock member 70B, respectively, from the locked position 70L to the unlocked position 70U. At this point, the first and second lock members 70A, 7 OB are spaced from the stiff tang 66 to permit movement of the stiff tang 66 in the second direction D2. Figure 16E shows the stiff tang 66 being removed from the receiver in the second direction D2 while the user continues to engage the release member 74. In this example, the biasing member 72 may urge the first and second lock members 70A, 70B back to the locked position 70L after the user engagement with the release member 74 has ended.

[0063] It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.” Moreover, it will be appreciated that terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used herein to differentiate certain structural features and components for the non-limiting, illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

[0064] Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. [0065] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.

CLAUSES

I. A patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient, the patient transport system comprising: a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck; a patient restraint assembly including a plurality of patient restraints for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, each of the plurality of patient restraints including: a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang extending along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end, the stiff tang configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length; and a plurality of receivers operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus, each of the plurality of receivers respectively including: an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang of one of the plurality of patient restraints in a first direction, and a lock member arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck. II. The patient transport system of clause I, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

III. The patient transport system of clause II, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member to move the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

IV. The patient transport system of any of clauses II-III, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a biasing member operatively attached to the lock member to bias the lock member toward the locked position such that the lock member moves to the locked position in response to movement of the stiff tang into the inlet of the respective receiver to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

V. The patient transport system of any of clauses II-IV, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers further includes at least one tooth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

VI. The patient transport system of clause V, wherein the stiff tang of each of the plurality of patient restraints defines one or more catches; and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to engage one of the one or more catches of the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction. VII. The patient transport system of any of clauses V-VI, wherein the at least one tooth is a further defined as a plurality of teeth; and wherein one or more of the plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

VIII. The patient transport system of any of clauses V-VI, wherein the stiff tang of each of the plurality of patient restraints is comprised of a resilient material; and wherein the at least one tooth compresses the resilient material of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

IX. The patient transport system of any of clauses II- VIII, wherein each receiver of the plurality of receivers further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is disposed in the housing.

X. The patient transport system of clause IX, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

XI. The patient transport system of clause X, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers defines a cam profile shaped to arrange the lock member in spaced relation from the stiff tang in the unlocked position and to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

XII. The patient transport system of any of clauses I-XI, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is further defined as a first lock member and each of the plurality of receivers further includes a second lock member spaced from the first lock member; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are arranged for concurrent movement between: a locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

XIII. The patient transport system of clause XII, wherein the first lock member of each of the plurality of receivers includes a first plurality of teeth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and wherein the second lock member of each of the plurality of receivers includes a second plurality of teeth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XIV. The patient transport system of any of clauses XII-XIII, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to at least one of the first lock member and the second lock member to concurrently move the first lock member and the second lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XV. The patient transport system of any of clauses XII-XIV, wherein each receiver of the plurality of receivers further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed in the housing.

XVI. The patient transport system of clause XV, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position. XVII. The patient transport system of clause XV, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the housing for translation between the locked position and the unlocked position.

XVIII. The patient transport system of clause XVII, wherein the housing defines a wedge void in communication with the inlet; wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the wedge void; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are configured to concurrently translate along the wedge void between: the locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and the unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

XIX. The patient transport system of clause XVIII, wherein the wedge void is defined by a first contact surface and a second contact surface; wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are arranged relative to each other at an oblique angle; and wherein the first lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the first contact surface and the second lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the second contact surface for concurrent movement between the locked position and the unlocked position. XX. The patient transport system of any of clauses I-XIX, wherein the stiff tang comprises a first material and the interface portion comprises a second material, different from the first material.

XXI. The patient transport system of any of clauses I-XX, wherein the support structure of the patient transport apparatus includes: an intermediate frame that supports the patient support deck; a base configured to engage a floor surface; and a lift mechanism extending between the intermediate frame and the base to effect relative movement between the intermediate frame and the base between a plurality of vertical configurations.

XXII. The patient transport system of clause XXI, wherein the plurality of receivers are coupled to the intermediate frame.

XXIII. The patient transport system of clause XXI, wherein the plurality of receivers are angled toward the patient support deck.

XXIV. A patient restraint system for restraining a patient relative to a patient support deck of a patient transport apparatus, the patient restraint system comprising: a patient restraint including: a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang extending along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end, the stiff tang configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length; and a receiver for attaching to the patient transport apparatus, the receiver including: an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang in a first direction, and a lock member arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck.

XXV. The patient restraint system of clause XXIV, wherein the lock member is configured for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the stiff tang in response to the inlet receiving the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XXVI. The patient restraint system of clause XXV, wherein the receiver further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member to move the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XXVII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXV-XXVI, wherein the receiver further includes a biasing member operatively attached to the lock member to bias the lock member toward the locked position such that the lock member moves to the locked position in response to movement of the stiff tang into the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

XXVIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXV-XXVII, wherein the lock member further includes at least one tooth arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction. XXIX. The patient restraint system of clause XXVIII, wherein the stiff tang defines one or more catches; and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to engage one of the one or more catches of the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XXX. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXVIII-XXIX, wherein the at least one tooth is a further defined as a plurality of teeth; and wherein one or more of the plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

XXXI. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXVIII-XXX, wherein the stiff tang is comprised of a resilient material; and wherein the at least one tooth compresses the resilient material of the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

XXXII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXIV-XXXII, wherein the receiver further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the lock member is disposed in the housing.

XXXIII. The patient restraint system of clause XXXII, wherein the lock member is supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position. XXXIV. The patient restraint system of clause XXXIII, wherein the lock member defines a cam profile shaped to arrange the lock member in spaced relation from the stiff tang in the unlocked position and to engage the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction. XXXV. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXIV-XXXIV, wherein the lock member is further defined as a first lock member and the receiver further includes a second lock member spaced from the first lock member; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are arranged for concurrent movement between: a locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XXXVI. The patient restraint system of clause XXXV, wherein the first lock member includes a first plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and wherein the second lock member includes a second plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction. XXXVII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXXV-XXXVI, wherein the receiver further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to at least one of the first lock member and the second lock member to concurrently move the first lock member and the second lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

XXXVIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXXV-XXXVII, wherein the receiver further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed in the housing. XXXIX. The patient restraint system of clause XXXVIII, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

XL. The patient restraint system of clause XXXVIII, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the housing for translation between the locked position and the unlocked position.

XLI. The patient restraint system of clause XL, wherein the housing defines a wedge void in communication with the inlet; wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the wedge void; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are configured to concurrently translate along the wedge void between: the locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and the unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

XLII. The patient restraint system of clause XLI, wherein the wedge void is defined by a first contact surface and a second contact surface; wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are arranged relative to each other at an oblique angle; and wherein the first lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the first contact surface and the second lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the second contact surface for concurrent movement between the locked position and the unlocked position.

XLIII. The patient restraint system of any of clauses XXIV-XLIII, wherein the stiff tang comprises a first material and the interface portion comprises a second material, different from the first material.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A patient transport system for assisting a caregiver in restraining a patient, the patient transport system comprising: a patient transport apparatus including a support structure and a patient support deck; a patient restraint assembly including a plurality of patient restraints for restraining a patient relative to the patient support deck, each of the plurality of patient restraints including: a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang extending along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end, the stiff tang configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length; and a plurality of receivers operatively attached to the support structure of the patient transport apparatus, each of the plurality of receivers respectively including: an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang of one of the plurality of patient restraints in a first direction, and a lock member arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck.

2. The patient transport system of claim 1 , wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is supported for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

3. The patient transport system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member to move the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

4. The patient transport system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a biasing member operatively attached to the lock member to bias the lock member toward the locked position such that the lock member moves to the locked position in response to movement of the stiff tang into the inlet of the respective receiver to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

5. The patient transport system of claim 2, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers further includes at least one tooth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

6. The patient transport system of claim 5, wherein the stiff tang of each of the plurality of patient restraints defines one or more catches; and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to engage one of the one or more catches of the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

7. The patient transport system of claim 5, wherein the at least one tooth is a further defined as a plurality of teeth; and wherein one or more of the plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

8. The patient transport system of claim 5, wherein the stiff tang of each of the plurality of patient restraints is comprised of a resilient material; and wherein the at least one tooth compresses the resilient material of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

9. The patient transport system of claim 2, wherein each receiver of the plurality of receivers further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is disposed in the housing.

10. The patient transport system of claim 9, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

11. The patient transport system of claim 10, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers defines a cam profile shaped to arrange the lock member in spaced relation from the stiff tang in the unlocked position and to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

12. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the lock member of each of the plurality of receivers is further defined as a first lock member and each of the plurality of receivers further includes a second lock member spaced from the first lock member; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are arranged for concurrent movement between: a locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

13. The patient transport system of claim 12, wherein the first lock member of each of the plurality of receivers includes a first plurality of teeth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and wherein the second lock member of each of the plurality of receivers includes a second plurality of teeth arranged to grip the stiff tang received by the inlet in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

14. The patient transport system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of receivers further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to at least one of the first lock member and the second lock member to concurrently move the first lock member and the second lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

15. The patient transport system of claim 12, wherein each receiver of the plurality of receivers further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed in the housing.

16. The patient transport system of claim 15, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

17. The patient transport system of claim 15, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the housing for translation between the locked position and the unlocked position.

18. The patient transport system of claim 17, wherein the housing defines a wedge void in communication with the inlet; wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the wedge void; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are configured to concurrently translate along the wedge void between: the locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and the unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

19. The patient transport system of claim 18, wherein the wedge void is defined by a first contact surface and a second contact surface; wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are arranged relative to each other at an oblique angle; and wherein the first lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the first contact surface and the second lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the second contact surface for concurrent movement between the locked position and the unlocked position.

20. The patient transport system of claim 1 , wherein the stiff tang comprises a first material and the interface portion comprises a second material, different from the first material.

21. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the support structure of the patient transport apparatus includes: an intermediate frame that supports the patient support deck; a base configured to engage a floor surface; and a lift mechanism extending between the intermediate frame and the base to effect relative movement between the intermediate frame and the base between a plurality of vertical configurations.

22. The patient transport system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of receivers are coupled to the intermediate frame.

23. The patient transport system of claim 21, wherein the plurality of receivers are angled toward the patient support deck.

24. A patient restraint system for restraining a patient relative to a patient support deck of a patient transport apparatus, the patient restraint system comprising: a patient restraint including: a patient restraint portion for engaging the patient, an interface portion operatively attached to the patient restraint portion, and a stiff tang extending along a length between a coupling end coupled to the interface portion and an engagement end, the stiff tang configured to resist deflection along the length in response to applied force acting on the engagement end and configured to resist flexion in a direction transverse to the length; and a receiver for attaching to the patient transport apparatus, the receiver including: an inlet to receive the engagement end of the stiff tang in a first direction, and a lock member arranged to engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang in the first direction, and to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to restrain the patient relative to the patient support deck.

25. The patient restraint system of claim 24, wherein the lock member is configured for movement between: a locked position where the lock member engages the stiff tang in response to the inlet receiving the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and an unlocked position where the lock member permits movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

26. The patient restraint system of claim 25, wherein the receiver further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to the lock member to move the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

27. The patient restraint system of claim 25, wherein the receiver further includes a biasing member operatively attached to the lock member to bias the lock member toward the locked position such that the lock member moves to the locked position in response to movement of the stiff tang into the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

28. The patient restraint system of claim 25, wherein the lock member further includes at least one tooth arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

29. The patient restraint system of claim 28, wherein the stiff tang defines one or more catches; and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to engage one of the one or more catches of the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

30. The patient restraint system of claim 28, wherein the at least one tooth is a further defined as a plurality of teeth; and wherein one or more of the plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

31. The patient restraint system of claim 28, wherein the stiff tang is comprised of a resilient material; and wherein the at least one tooth compresses the resilient material of the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in a second direction.

32. The patient restraint system of claim 25, wherein the receiver further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the lock member is disposed in the housing.

33. The patient restraint system of claim 32, wherein the lock member is supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

34. The patient restraint system of claim 33, wherein the lock member defines a cam profile shaped to arrange the lock member in spaced relation from the stiff tang in the unlocked position and to engage the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

35. The patient restraint system of claim 24, wherein the lock member is further defined as a first lock member and the receiver further includes a second lock member spaced from the first lock member; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are arranged for concurrent movement between: a locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and an unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

36. The patient restraint system of claim 35, wherein the first lock member includes a first plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction; and wherein the second lock member includes a second plurality of teeth are arranged to grip the stiff tang in the locked position to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

37. The patient restraint system of claim 35, wherein the receiver further includes a release member arranged for user engagement and operatively attached to at least one of the first lock member and the second lock member to concurrently move the first lock member and the second lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position to permit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction.

38. The patient restraint system of claim 35, wherein the receiver further includes a housing defining the inlet; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed in the housing.

39. The patient restraint system of claim 38, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are supported for rotational movement relative to the housing between the locked position and the unlocked position.

40. The patient restraint system of claim 38, wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the housing for translation between the locked position and the unlocked position.

41. The patient restraint system of claim 40, wherein the housing defines a wedge void in communication with the inlet; wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are disposed within the wedge void; and wherein the first lock member and the second lock member are configured to concurrently translate along the wedge void between: the locked position where the first lock member and the second lock member engage the stiff tang received by the inlet to inhibit movement of the stiff tang in the second direction, and the unlocked position where the first lock member and the second lock member are spaced from the stiff tang received by the inlet to permit movement of the stiff tang received by the inlet in the second direction.

42. The patient restraint system of claim 41, wherein the wedge void is defined by a first contact surface and a second contact surface; wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are arranged relative to each other at an oblique angle; and wherein the first lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the first contact surface and the second lock member is disposed in sliding contact with the second contact surface for concurrent movement between the locked position and the unlocked position.

43. The patient restraint system of claim 24, wherein the stiff tang comprises a first material and the interface portion comprises a second material, different from the first material.